Migraine and Birth Control Pills

[Biri]

I was wondering if you could help me? I have been married for almost a year and we only use condoms. I want to use another birth control method but I was wondering if the pill or an inyection is better and which won't affect my migraines as much? thanks.

[jenhop4]

I have used birth control pills twice in the past 22 years. The first time was for birth control only.  It increased my migraines by at least double or more,  also my blood pressure.  The second time I went on birth control pills for the purpose of controlling
excessive bleeding during my periods. This time my migraines increased to at least weekly and actually I felt as though they never went away and my blood pressure skyrocketed to 200/100.  I had to get off them immediately for reasons you can see.
I was on them about 3 months when the blood pressure took off. I ended up having a Thermal Ablation to control the bleeding because I became anemic.  So,  there was a combination of factors for my migraines getting so much worse.  My recommendation would be to try them if you would like but to listen to your body carefully.  Take your blood pressure frequently as this is a side affect and one not worth being on the pill for. And they can increase your migraines,  even if you blood pressure is not affected.
Jenhop4

[LifesAHeadache]

IF YOU HAVE MIGRAINES, DO NOT USE INJECTIONS OR BC PILLS.

OK, I hope I didn't scare you half to death but if you get migraines and take these, you are at risk not only for severe migraines but depending on all the factors, potentially stroke.  Now, I say this but I don't know how bad your migraines are.  

But I can tell you there is at least one 22 year old girl confined to a wheelchair in my area because she had a stroke due to migraine while on birth control.  I'm not a doctor but I can tell you that I was hospitalized for two days after taking a drug that put me into artificial menopause.  I think I was near a stroke.

Now, I am a severe case, and the drug companies have learned from bad experiences, and have lowered the amounts of med in the drugs.  If you are dead set on taking one, talk to your OB/GYN, you may be able to try one of the real low dose bc pills but I would avoid an injection at all cost because if you do have a bad reaction you are STUCK with that med in your body for how ever long the blood level dose is.  It could be one long migraine or worse.  OR - it could actually take your migraines away until the dose starts wearing off and then you get another dose and migraines gone again.  

Do you see how this answer gives you conflicting information.  That is what the doctor will have to work with too.  Science just doesn't know enough to predict individually yet.  But if you go to a good board certified ob/gyn and tell her/him your situation, they can use their best judgement based on their past experience.

Also, since you have been married for a year and using condoms - is there a reason you want more protection?  Or does your husband not want to wear one?  This is absolutely none of my business but if you want to share your situation - might be able to help or refer you - or maybe your just not ready to think about kids.  That's fine too - I would not recommend this but my step sister had a bouncing baby boy 5 years ago -she was 49!

Take Care.